Embracing the Journey: Recreating the Seven Adventures from Grace Wethor’s Viral Book “Seven Thompson & the Art of Remembering” — SPOILERS

Daily London Reporter — Media & Culture — SEPTEMBER 2024

Inspired by Seven Thompson & the Art of Remembering, I decided to embark on my own version of the “seven adventures” that Seven and Lucy create in the novel. Each adventure represents a piece of what makes Seven who he is, and I was intrigued by the idea of not only following in their footsteps but also reflecting on my own identity and memories along the way. Recreating these adventures allowed me to step outside my daily routine and embrace spontaneity, joy, and reflection.

Adventure 1: Giving Stories

In the novel, Lucy and Seven set out to create moments that give people something to talk about — a “dinner party story,” as Lucy calls it. This idea immediately resonated with me. How often do we create stories for ourselves or others in our everyday lives? I wanted to do something that would leave a lasting impression on strangers and give them a memory they could share.

So, I decided to surprise random strangers in my community with small, unexpected gestures of kindness. Armed with freshly baked cookies and handwritten notes of encouragement, I went to a local park and handed them out to people sitting on benches, families playing, and even the dog walkers passing by. It was such a simple act, but the reactions were heartwarming. People smiled, some stopped to chat, and a few looked genuinely touched by the gesture.

The experience reminded me that sometimes the smallest actions can have the biggest impact. Just like Lucy and Seven, I realized that creating stories doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s about finding moments that make life a little brighter for those around you. By the end of the day, I had my own story to tell, and I felt like I had contributed to a few new ones for the people I met.

Adventure 2: Exposure Therapy

For the second adventure, Seven & Lucy put themselves in uncomfortable situations as a form of exposure therapy. Inspired by their courage, I decided to face one of my own fears: public speaking. I’ve always dreaded speaking in front of a crowd, but I knew that this adventure would challenge me in the best way possible.

I signed up for an open mic night at a local café, determined to confront my anxiety head-on. As the evening approached, I began to second-guess my decision, but I knew that stepping out of my comfort zone was the whole point. When my name was called, my heart raced, but I took a deep breath, walked up to the microphone, and shared a short story I had written.

The experience was nerve-wracking but incredibly empowering. As I spoke, I felt my fear slowly dissipate, and by the time I finished, I was greeted with applause and a sense of relief. Just like Seven, I learned that facing fear head-on is a powerful way to grow. Exposure therapy wasn’t just about overcoming public speaking; it was about proving to myself that I could step into discomfort and come out stronger on the other side.

Adventure 3: Casual Magic

The idea of “casual magic” in the novel refers to finding beauty in everyday moments — celebrating the little things that often go unnoticed. For this adventure, I wanted to capture the magic that exists in my daily routine, but which I rarely take the time to appreciate.

I decided to spend a day deliberately noticing the beauty around me, no matter how small or mundane. I started my morning with a walk in my neighborhood, paying attention to the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, the birds chirping in the distance, and the gentle breeze on my skin. At my coffee shop, I took extra time to savor the taste of my drink and smile at the barista who had become a familiar face. Throughout the day, I made it a point to slow down, noticing the textures of fabrics, the rhythm of traffic, and even the sound of my footsteps on the pavement.

By the end of the day, I was amazed at how much I had been missing in my usual rush through life. Casual magic isn’t about grand, sweeping experiences; it’s about finding joy in the present moment. Like Lucy and Seven, I realized that magic is everywhere if you’re willing to pause and look for it.

Adventure 4: Beauty from the Ugly

One of the more profound adventures in the novel involves Seven and Lucy transforming something ugly into something beautiful, a metaphor for turning painful experiences into opportunities for growth. For my version of this adventure, I decided to tackle a neglected space in my home: my cluttered garage.

The garage had become a dumping ground for old furniture, boxes, and items I no longer used. It was an overwhelming mess, and I had been avoiding it for months. Inspired by the idea of creating beauty from chaos, I spent an entire weekend clearing out the space, organizing it, and giving it new life. I repurposed old items into storage solutions, created a cozy corner with an armchair and a lamp, and even painted a mural on one of the walls.

By the time I finished, the garage had transformed from a chaotic eyesore into a peaceful, functional space. The experience was cathartic, mirroring the emotional process of turning difficult situations into something meaningful. Like Seven, I learned that beauty can come from the most unexpected places, and that transformation — whether physical or emotional — often begins with confronting the mess head-on.

Adventure 5: Finding Your Language

Adventure five, where Seven and Lucy break into a record shop and “find Seven’s language,” is one of the novel’s most fun moments. It’s in this chaotic, rule-breaking adventure that Seven finally reconnects with a lost piece of himself — through music. The metaphor of “finding his language” resonated deeply with me, so I set out on my own journey to discover what would evoke that same sense of identity and expression. I’ve always been drawn to books and writing, and I decided to revisit some of the old haunts of my youth — the quiet corners of secondhand bookstores where I used to spend hours. Much like how the music brings Seven to life, the smell of old pages, the feel of a worn book cover, and the quiet hum of a bookstore transported me back to moments when I felt most connected to myself.

Flipping through the pages of beloved novels, I felt a sense of calm and recognition wash over me. I realized that my “language” has always been rooted in storytelling and literature. Just as music unlocks memories and emotions for Seven, for me, it was the world of words that sparked a deep emotional resonance. It was a reminder that our language is not just the medium through which we communicate — it’s the core of how we experience and interpret the world. Whether it’s through music, writing, or any other form of art, finding our personal “language” can be a key to understanding who we are. Through this adventure, I rediscovered my love for reading and writing, which has always been my most natural way of connecting to the world around me. It was a reminder to honor those parts of myself that feel most authentic, even in the smallest of ways.

Adventure 6: A Good Friend

In adventure six, when Lucy and Seven show up to support Ethan in court, it becomes a testament to the strength of their friendship and the importance of being there for someone during pivotal moments. Inspired by this, I sought out a way to show up for a close friend in need. A good friend of mine had been going through a challenging time at work, facing burnout and self-doubt. Rather than offering the usual words of encouragement from a distance, I decided to take a more active role in supporting her by attending a work-related presentation she was nervous about. Sitting in the audience, knowing my presence would be a quiet but solid reminder that she wasn’t alone, felt like an act of simple yet powerful friendship.

This experience reminded me that being a “good friend” is often about showing up, not just in celebratory or easy moments, but in the difficult ones that truly matter. Sometimes, it’s not about fixing the problem, but about offering steadfast companionship in moments of stress or vulnerability. Much like Lucy and Seven’s unwavering support for Ethan, I found that offering my presence — just being there — spoke volumes and strengthened our friendship in a meaningful way. It made me reflect on how valuable it is to be physically and emotionally available when your friends need you most, creating a deeper bond built on trust and mutual care.

Adventure 7: Celebrating the Everyday

Adventure seven, where Lucy tragically asks Seven to live for her, is one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the book. Lucy’s final wish — that Seven live fully, not just for himself but in her memory — struck a deep chord within me. It made me think about what it truly means to live with intention, to embrace life in a way that honors both our existence and the people we care about. Inspired by this, I decided to confront my own habit of living on autopilot, where routine and familiarity often overshadowed the pursuit of passion and presence. I challenged myself to make more conscious choices, to say “yes” to opportunities that would make me feel alive — whether it was taking a spontaneous weekend trip, pursuing an old hobby, or simply spending more time connecting with loved ones.

In this journey toward fully living, I found that the act of embracing life didn’t require grand gestures or radical changes. It was about actively choosing to engage with the world around me, finding joy in small moments, and cultivating gratitude for each experience. Lucy’s plea to Seven became a reminder for me to live with purpose, not waiting for perfect circumstances but creating them through my actions. I began to understand that truly living means pushing past fear, taking risks, and being fully present in the lives of those I love. In honoring that lesson, I felt more connected to both myself and the world, with a renewed sense of what it means to truly live — not just exist.

Conclusion

Recreating the seven adventures from Seven Thompson & the Art of Remembering was not only fun but deeply meaningful. Each adventure challenged me to step outside my routine, embrace spontaneity, and find beauty in the everyday. In the process, I learned that life is full of opportunities for growth, joy, and connection if we’re willing to seek them out. Like Seven and Lucy, I discovered that the art of living — much like the art of remembering — is about being present, finding meaning in small moments, and creating stories worth telling.